Shoe Drying System

ABSTRACT

A shoe drying system for drying footwear is provided. The shoe drying system comprises a base platform and a housing is positioned on the base platform with the housing having a vertical wall extending in an upward direction. A collection tray is positionable upon the base platform. An angled draining tray is positionable upon the first end of the collection tray. A shoe rack is positioned upon the draining tray and the vertical wall of the housing. A drying mechanism within the housing directs warm, dry air in a general direction toward the shoe rack. Upon positioning the footwear in the shoe rack and activating the drying means, the footwear is dried enabling a user to maintain a like-new appearance of the footwear for extended periods.

The present application claims the benefit of priority of pendingprovisional patent application Ser. No. 61/820,741, filed on May 8,2013, entitled “Night Shoe Bed”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to a shoe drying system and, moreparticularly, the invention relates to a shoe drying system for dryingtheir footwear after the shoes have been washed or are wet due toexposure to the elements.

2. Description of the Prior Art

For most fashion conscious users, a carefully planned ensemble is simplynot complete without a pair of matching dress shoes. Fashionable formalfootwear is an essential component of practically every wardrobe. Notlimited to special occasions such as formal gatherings, weddings and thelike, wearing dress shoes is common practice in daily life, as mostwould not think of heading off to an important business meeting or evena church social in a pair of sandals or tennis shoes. Although formalfootwear is stylish, wearing fancy shoes can sometimes presentchallenges. Particularly, pumps, sling backs, brogues, and wingtipsrequire constant maintenance to maintain their bright, like-new shine.Removing the scuffs and scratches that mar these shoes during every daywear is typically accomplished with an involved procedure of gentlywashing the shoes with a mild detergent or polishing agent. Not limitedto dress shoes, this activity is often undertaken with everyday shoessuch as casual loafers and sneakers that have become wet or sullied asresult of repeated wear or exposure to the elements. With their shoesproperly cleaned however, consumers are faced with the dilemma of wearto store their shoes in order to dry them. Placed on a windowsill, apair of sopping tennis shoes might not get completely dry before one isready to wear them again. Set directly atop a hot air vent, a pair ofexpensive wing tips might be exposed to too much heat, thus resulting inthe delicate leather material of the shoes cracking or fraying.

SUMMARY

The present invention is a shoe drying system for drying footwear. Theshoe drying system comprises a base platform having a first end and asecond end. A housing is positioned at the first end of the baseplatform with the housing having a vertical wall extending in agenerally upward direction from the housing. A collection tray having afirst end and a second end is provided with the collection traypositionable upon the base platform. A draining tray having a first endand a second end is provided. The first end of the draining tray ispositionable upon the first end of the collection tray and the secondend of the draining tray positionable above the second end of thecollection tray. A shoe rack is positioned upon the second end of thedraining tray and the vertical wall of the housing. A drying mechanismwithin the housing directs warm, dry air in a general direction towardthe shoe rack. Upon positioning the footwear in the shoe rack andactivating the drying means, the footwear is dried enabling a user tomaintain a like-new appearance of the footwear for extended periods.

In addition, the present invention includes a method for dryingfootwear. The method comprises providing a base platform having a firstend and a second end, positioning a housing at the first end of the baseplatform, extending a vertical wall from the housing in a generallyupward direction from the housing, providing a collection tray having afirst end and a second end, positioning the collection tray upon thebase platform, providing a draining tray having a first end and a secondend, positioning the first end of the draining tray upon the first endof the collection tray, positioning the second end of the draining trayabove the second end of the collection tray, positioning a shoe rackupon the second end of the draining tray and the vertical wall of thehousing, directing warm, dry air in a general direction toward the shoerack, positioning the footwear in the shoe rack and activating thedrying means, and enabling a user to maintain a like-new appearance ofthe footwear for extended periods.

The present invention further includes a shoe drying system for dryingfootwear. The shoe drying system comprises a base platform having afirst end and a second end. A housing is positioned at the first end ofthe base platform with the housing having a vertical wall extending in agenerally upward direction from the housing. A collection tray having afirst end and a second end is provided. The collection tray ispositionable upon the base platform. An angled draining tray having afirst end and a second end is provided. The first end of the drainingtray is positionable upon the first end of the collection tray and thesecond end of the draining tray is positionable above the second end ofthe collection tray. A shoe rack is positioned upon the second end ofthe draining tray and the vertical wall of the housing with the shoerack having various rows, each row angled in an opposite direction ofthe next. A low output heater and integrated motor driven blower fan ismounted within the housing for directing warm, dry air in a generaldirection toward the shoe rack. Upon positioning the footwear in theshoe rack and activating the drying means, the footwear is driedenabling a user to maintain a like-new appearance of the footwear forextended periods.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view illustrating a shoe drying system,constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 is an elevational side view illustrating the shoe drying system,constructed in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view illustrating the shoe drying system,constructed in accordance with the present invention; and

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a drying fan of the shoedrying system, constructed in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As illustrated in FIGS. 1-4, the present invention is a shoe dryingsystem for drying their footwear after the shoes have been washed or arewet due to exposure to the elements. The shoe drying system 10 of thepresent invention is a portable electric dryer that disperses low outputheat over a pair of shoes, thus gently, yet expeditiously drying themand enabling the user to maintain the like-new appearance of their shoesfor extended periods.

A portable, electric unit, the shoe drying system 10 of the presentinvention is preferably constructed primarily of heavy duty, heatresistant plastic material and preferably measures approximately twelve(12″) inches in width, approximately fifteen (“15”) inches in depth, andbetween approximately fifteen (“15) inches and approximately (“20”)inches in expandable length. While particular materials and particulardimensions of the shoe drying system 10 have been described herein, itis within the scope of the present invention for the shoe drying system10 to be constructed from different materials and have differentdimensions.

Boasting an open design, the shoe drying system 10 of the presentinvention has a base platform 12. Preferably the base platform 12 isrectangular, however, other shapes of the base platform are within thescope of the present invention. A collection tray 14 is slidablymountable inside or positioned on top of the base platform 12 forcollecting moisture, as will be described in further detail below. Thecollection tray 14 includes raised side walls with the top of collectiontray 14 open to collect water as it runs off the shoes drying directlyabove.

Positioned directly above the collection tray 14 of the shoe dryingsystem 10 of the present invention is an angled draining tray 16, withthe proximal end of the draining tray 16 abutting flush against the topof the collection tray 14, while the distal end of the draining tray 16measures several inches higher. Above the draining tray 16 is a shoerack 18 for holding the shoes to be dried. Like the draining tray 16,the shoe rack 18 is preferably angled. In this manner, shoes placed uponthe shoe rack 18 slope downwards, thus allowing the pull of gravity tocause the run off of water. Manufactured of a plastic screen materialthat boasts a wide grate, the shoe rack 18 is configured to facilitatethe circulation of air about the shoes, while also allowing water thatruns off the shoes to fall through the grating, onto the draining tray16, and into the collection tray 14 positioned below. The slightlypitched surface of this shoe rack 18 is offered in contrasting rows,with each row angled in the opposite direction of the next. Fullyadjustable, the shoe rack 18 has simple sliding or comparable fittingsthat enable the user to expand or contract the shoe rack 18 toaccommodate smaller, larger or multiple pairs of shoes.

In addition, the shoe drying system 10 of the present invention caninclude two vertical posts mounted to the shoe rack 18 designedexpressly for use in drying a pair of inverted boots. The removableposts preferably measure several inches in length, thus accommodatingthe shaft of the boot and are secured within corresponding fittingsincorporated into the design of the shoe rack 18.

Positioned at the proximal end of the shoe drying system 10 of thepresent invention, directly above the front end of the collection tray14, is a housing 20 for a low output heater and integrated motor drivenblower fan 22. The small fan 22 disperses warm air directly over theshoe rack 18 and shoes stored upon it, thus gently, yet expeditiouslyfacilitating the drying process. A simple on/off switch 24 is located atthe top of the housing 20 for use in activating the fan 22. The shoedrying system 10 operates on conventional 110 volt, 60 hertz power andconnected to any standard power outlet via a standard two prong powercord 26.

The shoe drying system 10 of the present invention can also include anUV-C light. The light is used on shoes/boots that are already dry andthe user uses the light to eliminate surface germs and bacteria causedodors and allergens and viruses.

The manner of use of the shoe drying system 10 of the present inventionwill now be described. It will be understood by those skilled in the artthat the manner of use of the shoe drying system 10 described herein ismerely one method of use and other methods of use of the shoe dryingsystem 10 are within the scope of the present invention.

Use of the shoe drying system 10 of the present invention is very simpleand straight forward. The shoe drying system 10 can be stored in acloset, on a countertop or any other easily accessed area for use whenneeded. The shoe drying system 10 can also be offered for guest use athotels, airports or similar establishments. The shoe drying system 10can be utilized to dry shoes after one has gently washed their shoeswith a mild detergent or shoe cleaner, or should one's shoes be wet as aresult of exposure to rain, snow or sleet. Placing the inverted shoesdirectly atop the sloped shoe rack 18, the user makes any necessaryadjustments to the length of the shoe rack 18 to accommodate the size oftheir shoes or the number of pairs they wished to dry. If drying a pairof boots, the user inserts the vertical posts within the dedicatedfittings located on the front end of the rack, sliding the shaft of theboots over the posts and thus securing the boots vertically and upsidedown. With the shoes placed atop the shoe rack 18, the user activatesthe integrated dryer 22. Once activated, the low output heater 22 beginsto produce warm air, while the integrated fan 22 would blow this warmair over the shoes. Any water that drips off the shoes falls upon thedraining tray 16 and into the collection tray 14 positioned directlybelow the shoe rack 18. Once the shoes are dried, the user removes themfrom the shoe rack 18, empties the collection tray 12 and then storesthe unit away until again needed.

The shoe drying system 10 of the present invention offers users a numberof significant benefits and advantages. Foremost, the shoe drying system10 provides users a simple means of maintaining the pristine appearanceof their footwear. A cleverly designed motorized drying rack, the shoedrying system 10 allows users to gently and safely dry their shoes afterthey have been washed or polished, or in the event the shoes are wet asa result of exposure to rain, sleet or snow. Boasting a sloped dryingrack, over which warm air is gently dispersed via a motorized heater,the shoe drying system 10 dries wet footwear in a quick and effortlessmanner. A practical alternative to setting wet shoes on a windowsillwhere they might not dry quickly enough, or placing them directly on aheater that can result in the shoes being exposed to too much heat andthus compromising the material and structure of the footwear, use of theshoe drying system 10 enables the user to dry their shoes in a safe andsimple fashion. Users will appreciate the convenient sloped design ofthe drying rack; optional boot posts and removable collection tray, allof which facilitate the drying process and make clean-up of the unitfollowing use a snap. Although designed expressly for general householduse, the shoe drying system 10 can be offered as service to overnighthotel guests, airline travelers and the like, providing businesses asimple means of providing clientele a luxury drying service, for free orat a reasonable price. Ideal for use in drying virtually any pair ofshoes, the shoe drying system 10 can also be utilized to dry small toysor household objects, providing a gentle means of caring for one'sbelongings. An optional flat rack can be included with the shoe dryingsystem 10 and on which the user dries the family pet such as a small dogor cat, following a routine bath.

The shoe drying system 10 of the present invention provides users apractical assist in maintaining pristine footwear. A portable, motorizeddrying station, the shoe drying system 10 proves an invaluable commodityin any home, as well as in various hotels and travel venues.

The foregoing exemplary descriptions and the illustrative preferredembodiments of the present invention have been explained in the drawingsand described in detail, with varying modifications and alternativeembodiments being taught. While the invention has been so shown,described and illustrated, it should be understood by those skilled inthe art that equivalent changes in form and detail may be made thereinwithout departing from the true spirit and scope of the invention, andthat the scope of the present invention is to be limited only to theclaims except as precluded by the prior art. Moreover, the invention asdisclosed herein may be suitably practiced in the absence of thespecific elements which are disclosed herein.

What is claimed is:
 1. A shoe drying system for drying footwear, theshoe drying system comprising: a base platform having a first end and asecond end; a housing positioned at the first end of the base platform,the housing having a vertical wall extending in a generally upwarddirection from the housing; a collection tray having a first end and asecond end, the collection tray positionable upon the base platform; adraining tray having a first end and a second end, the first end of thedraining tray positionable upon the first end of the collection tray,the second end of the draining tray positionable above the second end ofthe collection tray; a shoe rack positioned upon the second end of thedraining tray and the vertical wall of the housing; and drying meanswithin the housing for directing warm, dry air in a general directiontoward the shoe rack; wherein upon positioning the footwear in the shoerack and activating the drying means, the footwear is dried enabling auser to maintain a like-new appearance of the footwear for extendedperiods.
 2. The shoe drying system of claim 1 wherein base platform isrectangular.
 3. The shoe drying system of claim 1 wherein the collectiontray is slidably mountable inside the base platform.
 4. The shoe dryingsystem of claim 1 wherein the collection tray includes raised side wallswith a top of the collection tray being open.
 5. The shoe drying systemof claim 1 wherein the draining tray is angled relative to thecollection tray.
 6. The shoe drying system of claim 1 wherein the shoerack is angled relative to the draining tray, the collection tray, andthe base platform.
 7. The shoe drying system of claim 1 wherein the shoerack has various rows, each row angled in an opposite direction of thenext.
 8. The shoe drying system of claim 1 wherein the shoe rack hassliding fittings enabling expansion and contraction of the shoe rack. 9.The shoe drying system of claim 1 and further comprising: a pair ofvertical posts mounted to the shoe rack.
 10. The shoe drying system ofclaim 1 wherein the drying means is a low output heater and integratedmotor driven blower fan.
 11. The shoe drying system of claim 10 andfurther comprising: a diversion wall for directing the warm air directlyover the shoe rack and footwear.
 12. The shoe drying system of claim 1and further comprising: a UV-C light directed at the shoe rack.
 13. Amethod for drying footwear, the method comprising: providing a baseplatform having a first end and a second end; positioning a housing atthe first end of the base platform; extending a vertical wall from thehousing in a generally upward direction from the housing; providing acollection tray having a first end and a second end; positioning thecollection tray upon the base platform; providing a draining tray havinga first end and a second end; positioning the first end of the drainingtray upon the first end of the collection tray; positioning the secondend of the draining tray above the second end of the collection tray;positioning a shoe rack upon the second end of the draining tray and thevertical wall of the housing; directing warm, dry air in a generaldirection toward the shoe rack; positioning the footwear in the shoerack and activating the drying means; and enabling a user to maintain alike-new appearance of the footwear for extended periods.
 14. A shoedrying system for drying footwear, the shoe drying system comprising: abase platform having a first end and a second end; a housing positionedat the first end of the base platform, the housing having a verticalwall extending in a generally upward direction from the housing; acollection tray having a first end and a second end, the collection traypositionable upon the base platform; an angled draining tray having afirst end and a second end, the first end of the draining traypositionable upon the first end of the collection tray, the second endof the draining tray positionable above the second end of the collectiontray; a shoe rack positioned upon the second end of the draining trayand the vertical wall of the housing, the shoe rack having various rows,each row angled in an opposite direction of the next; and a low outputheater and integrated motor driven blower fan mounted within the housingfor directing warm, dry air in a general direction toward the shoe rack;wherein upon positioning the footwear in the shoe rack and activatingthe drying means, the footwear is dried enabling a user to maintain alike-new appearance of the footwear for extended periods.
 15. The shoedrying system of claim 14 wherein the collection tray includes raisedside walls with a top of the collection tray being open.
 16. The shoedrying system of claim 14 wherein the shoe rack is angled relative tothe draining tray, the collection tray, and the base platform.
 17. Theshoe drying system of claim 14 wherein the shoe rack has slidingfittings enabling expansion and contraction of the shoe rack.
 18. Theshoe drying system of claim 14 and further comprising: a pair ofvertical posts mounted to the shoe rack.
 19. The shoe drying system ofclaim 14 and further comprising: a diversion wall for directing the warmair directly over the shoe rack and footwear.
 20. The shoe drying systemof claim 14 and further comprising: a UV-C light directed at the shoerack.